I would talk to my child about how we treat books and I would tell the librarian about the damage. If the child is old enough (maybe 4 or older) I would have him or her tell the librarian. It is a good lesson for him/her to own up to responsibilty. If you tell the librarian, have the child with you so he/she can see that you have done the right thing. My local library only charges for books that are severely damaged (can't be used again, for example wet or soiled books). As the previous person mentioned they will use proper tape to fix it.

I would tell the librarian, but before you offer to replace ask her if she can repair it. Librarians are really good about repairing a book's binding and torn pages, so I'm sure that the book your child damaged won't be a problem at all for her to fix. But if your library does charge either repair fees or replacement fee for torn pages, I don't think it's fair for someone to take a book that they know has been damaged back to a library and have the next person that checks it out have to foot the bill or miss an entire page that could be detrimental to the story line.

I'd own up in a very apologetic manner and explain what happened. It must happen all the time in librarys so I wouldn't expect them to make a big deal about it.. The worst that happens is that you may have to pay the replacement value of the book. But I really wouldn't expect it to come to that

If my son tore a page of the book at the library I will tell the librarian about it. I may not be aware but I know my son would be very observant on what move I would do next. If I will return the book on the shelf without informing the librarian about the torn page, my son might think that it is OK to tear a book and lie about it. Action speaks louder than words and I don't want my son to see me as a role model of dishonesty.

Of course, I am going to tell him that what he did is wrong because there are others who are going to use that book and it would be unfair to them if a page is missing. If the missing page is still readable and it can be repaired, I will ask the Librarian if they allow that and me and my son are going to repair it.

If the page is torn and impossible to repair it I have to purchase a new one and replace it. I will request my son to talk to the Librarian and apologize for tearing it at the level of his age. Children are smart and 3 to 6 years old or older should be taught what is right and wrong and to know how to face the consequences even at a young age so that they will be guided on the proper things to do.

I think you should tell the librarian. They can repair it and I doubt you would have to pay for a whole new book due to one page.